Spaghetti with Anchovies (Spaghetti con Acciughe)

If you're craving a flavorful and straightforward pasta dish, look no further than Spaghetti with Anchovies and Tomatoes (Spaghetti con Acciughe). This delightful recipe combines tender spaghetti with savory anchovies, garlic, and olive oil, creating a classic Italian meal that is both quick and delicious. Perfect for busy evenings when you want a taste of Italy without the fuss.

Anchovies are a personal favorite of mine, especially when prepared in vinegar and oil or fried. In the Mediterranean, these are the most common methods of cooking fish. The oil-packed anchovies are essential to this spaghetti recipe, imparting a rich flavor that, when combined with garlic and a hint of chili, results in a truly delightful dish. Pasta recipes like this are ideal for creating a fantastic meal with just a few ingredients.

Best of all: Spaghetti with anchovies is not only delicious but also light and easy on the stomach, just as we expect from Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Anchovies

With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this quick pasta recipe. Everything is easily available at your local grocery store:

• Spaghetti: The classic choice that pairs perfectly with this simple sauce. I often opt for whole grain spaghetti for a heartier and healthier option.
• Anchovy fillets: The star of the dish, providing depth of flavor. They can be purchased packed in oil.
• Garlic: Essential for the aroma.
• Olive oil: High-quality olive oil gives the sauce its Mediterranean essence. Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice.
• Chili pepper: Adds a hint of heat. Be sure to remove the seeds to avoid excessive spiciness.
• Cherry tomatoes: I prefer vine-ripened tomatoes, which are slightly larger than standard cherry tomatoes.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds color and a mild herbal aroma.
• Tarragon: Fresh tarragon provides a Mediterranean flavor. Its slightly anise-like taste complements the tomatoes and anchovies beautifully!
• Chives: They add freshness and visual appeal.
• Salt & pepper: I recommend sea salt for the best flavor, and freshly ground black pepper enhances the taste.

Cooking Tips

If you prefer, you can increase the amount of parsley instead of using tarragon. I personally find that whole tomatoes in pasta are best when sautéed with garlic or onions until the skins soften, resulting in a warm, juicy burst of tomato flavor. This method is a simple and quick way to create a delicious sauce.

Preparing Spaghetti with Anchovies & Tomatoes

You can have this tasty pasta dish ready in just four simple steps:

1. Cook the spaghetti: Boil in salted water until al dente. Cooking time varies by pasta type, so refer to the package instructions. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to enhance the sauce, then drain the rest.
2. Sauté the anchovies: In olive oil, sauté the anchovies with garlic until they transform into a fragrant sauce.
3. Prepare the sauce: Add the chili pepper and tomatoes, letting them simmer gently to meld the flavors.
4. Combine: Toss the cooked spaghetti directly in the pan with the anchovy sauce, stirring in the herbs. Serve immediately!

Spaghetti con Acciughe: Classic, Mediterranean, and Full of Flavor!

In Italy, Spaghetti con Acciughe refers to spaghetti with anchovies and tomatoes. This dish exemplifies how a few ingredients can come together to create true comfort food. The anchovies not only deliver intense flavor but also provide valuable omega-3 fatty acids and minerals. Garlic and olive oil round out the dish, making it a pasta recipe that transports you straight to Italy.

Questions & Answers

Anchovies Explained

Learn more about anchovies and their role in Mediterranean cuisine:

More Reasons to Love Spaghetti with Anchovies

• Delicious: Intense flavor with a Mediterranean flair.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes.
• Light: Pleasantly easy on the stomach.
• Authentically Italian: A true hidden gem among spaghetti recipes.
• Versatile: You can also enhance the pasta with capers or olives.

More Pasta Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these Spaghetti con Acciughe, you’ll likely love other Mediterranean pasta dishes as well. Whether with fresh tomatoes, creamy sauces, or refined herbs, pasta is versatile enough to suit any occasion. I recommend trying my Pasta con Salsiccia, a spicy and flavorful noodle dish. Another classic is Spaghetti Carbonara, a traditional Italian recipe that promises a hearty meal. You can also expect a delightful experience with Spaghetti Puttanesca, which includes anchovies and capers. And who could forget Spaghetti Bolognese? I also have the original recipe for Bolognese with Veal.

• 500 g spaghetti (preferably spelt or whole grain)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 red chili pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 kg cherry tomatoes (or mini Roma vine tomatoes)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped

1. Bring a large pot of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 125 ml of the cooking water before draining.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the anchovies and garlic for about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the chili pepper and tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper, and let simmer until the tomatoes burst and break down (about 10 minutes).

4. Drain the pasta, reserving 100 ml (6 tablespoons) of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the pan with the sauce, incorporating the reserved cooking water, and cook for 1 minute. Finally, stir in the parsley, tarragon, and chives, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Calories: 596 kcal

• For the sauce, I prefer using Olio Extra Vergine Grezzo olive oil from Farchioni, as it is my favorite and heat-resistant (not a paid advertisement!).

To create a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen, I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes playlist on Spotify.

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